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Making a portfolio during my gap year with no prior experience. Advice needed!

I've finished Y13 after taking bio, chem, and maths (very unrelated subjects to art/design, I know). I've realized pretty late that stem just isn't for me, so I've decided to switch trajectory and go for something more creative.

Never made a portfolio in my life, but, I do digital painting + 3D modeling as a hobby so I hope this helps. However, I'm slightly concerned that unis (graphic design/digital art courses) won't consider me due to a lack of art/design a-levels.

Anyway, sorry for waffling, here are my main questions:
- I want to get in for 2023, so when is the best time to apply so that I can maximize the time I have on my portfolio ?
- Also, how are my chances looking in terms of getting into a design course given my situation ?

I have most my UCAS details set up, just missing the grades (coming in August) and personal statement. If there's any useful advice/suggestion on what to do that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!
Look at a 1 year Art & Design Foundation Diploma - you can take this at a local college - you will have access to all the right facilities/resources, and staff expertise for compiling a portfolio. More info here - https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/art-and-design-foundation-diplomas

PS.With your background amd interests, Architecture would be a possible Uni choice - see https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-2023/architecture/
Reply 2
Original post by McGinger
Look at a 1 year Art & Design Foundation Diploma - you can take this at a local college - you will have access to all the right facilities/resources, and staff expertise for compiling a portfolio. More info here - https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/what-to-study/art-and-design-foundation-diplomas

PS.With your background amd interests, Architecture would be a possible Uni choice - see https://www.bath.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate-2023/architecture/

I’ll look into that.Thanks for the advice !
Original post by Pandagumi
I've finished Y13 after taking bio, chem, and maths (very unrelated subjects to art/design, I know). I've realized pretty late that stem just isn't for me, so I've decided to switch trajectory and go for something more creative.

Never made a portfolio in my life, but, I do digital painting + 3D modeling as a hobby so I hope this helps. However, I'm slightly concerned that unis (graphic design/digital art courses) won't consider me due to a lack of art/design a-levels.

Anyway, sorry for waffling, here are my main questions:
- I want to get in for 2023, so when is the best time to apply so that I can maximize the time I have on my portfolio ?
- Also, how are my chances looking in terms of getting into a design course given my situation ?

I have most my UCAS details set up, just missing the grades (coming in August) and personal statement. If there's any useful advice/suggestion on what to do that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for reading!


There is a lot of good advice from an architecture lecturer on developing a portfolio on this thread:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7133652

And I agree with McGinger about signing up for an art course locally during your gap year.
Reply 4
Original post by normaw
There is a lot of good advice from an architecture lecturer on developing a portfolio on this thread:

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7133652

And I agree with McGinger about signing up for an art course locally during your gap year.

Having looked into it, a foundation year is quite pricey. Would shorter courses be an option? Thanks for that link btw.
i don’t really have any advice but just wanted to say that i’m proud of you for following your heart and not pursuing stem if it didn’t feel right for you !!!
Reply 6
Original post by aliaa03
i don’t really have any advice but just wanted to say that i’m proud of you for following your heart and not pursuing stem if it didn’t feel right for you !!!

Haha thanks. I'm going to have to work so hard to catch up, I hope it pays off in the end :adore:
Original post by Pandagumi
Having looked into it, a foundation year is quite pricey. Would shorter courses be an option? Thanks for that link btw.


If you’re under 19 on the 1 September then a FAD will normally be free.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684
Reply 8
Original post by PQ
If you’re under 19 on the 1 September then a FAD will normally be free.

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684

Sounds promising. What are the usual deadlines for applications and are there any requirements for entry ?
Original post by Pandagumi
Sounds promising. What are the usual deadlines for applications and are there any requirements for entry ?


That’s pretty much all covered in the FAQ I linked to
Original post by PQ
That’s pretty much all covered in the FAQ I linked to


Whilst I am under 19 by September 2022, most FAD course entries have closed now. I'm assuming you meant a FAD course for 2023 then ?
Original post by Pandagumi
Whilst I am under 19 by September 2022, most FAD course entries have closed now. I'm assuming you meant a FAD course for 2023 then ?

Most fad courses are taught at FE colleges who accept applications up until the start of the course in September

Many taught at universities are still accepting applications.
Original post by PQ
Most fad courses are taught at FE colleges who accept applications up until the start of the course in September

Many taught at universities are still accepting applications.

Ok, I'll see if I can find one. Although I'm not sure If I can put together a suitable portfolio in time for the FAD course. Thank you so much for the help.
There's usually stuff online about making good portfolios - this Bartlett grad reviews a successful one here:https://youtu.be/U72_biutVVE

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